Sword, scabbard and tassel: eagle's head pommel

ca. 1860

Place madeChicopee, Massachusetts, United States, North America

Steel, brass, gilding, fish skin, textile; leather, brass, gilding

Overall: 34 1/4 x 5 x 3 1/8 in. ( 87 x 12.7 x 7.9 cm )

Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, through Major Kenneth Miller

1951.382ab

According to the accession records, this sword was worn by William Henry Owen (ex. Company H, 7th Regiment, National Guard New York), while serving in the U.S. Navy from 1861 to 1865.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with three-quarter length fuller and naval insignia etched on obverse and reverse; gilded brass counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn motif on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; Phrygian helmet-shaped brass pommel with eagle in oval frame with thirteen stars molded in relief on top and oak leaf and acorn border; dolphin head at end of knuckle bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; tassel on long strip of gold metallic cloth tape joined to hilt; black leather scabbard with gilded brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope, and gilded brass drag with fish-like appearance similar to "dolphins" on hilt.

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." etched: on reverse of blade: "U.S.N." stamped: on throat of scabbard (reverse side): "AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS" in relief: on underside of counter-guard: "USN"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD